their time here had come to an end, and khaemwaset felt he was the most relieved of them all to turn for home. bundles were strengthened, riches packed. he sent double patrols ahead and twice as many scouts, taking his own turn upon a circle of the camp or to find a path through both the misted water and the walls of shale, the miles of haunted forest between they and the south.
pharaoh, in his fierce young haughtiness, swore to himself that it would be a rich length of time before he ever returned north again. once seated upon their proper thrones, he and merneith must set to the pleasant tasks which the gods would create for them with a spell, and bring forth the next generation of a lineage unchanged since its inception.
it was a solemn-faced but not soured Horus which received setemhotep. these days, indeed any day at all, but now for certain -- the young leader was never far from his queen and sister, leaning evermore upon her presence to soothe and determine him.
the golden eyes watched, the curve to the mouth welcomed, but khaemwaset said nothing.